The city of Mansfield Department of Community Development held the first of two public affairs meetings for the 2013 Community Development Block Grant at the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center at 445 Bowman St. on Thursday.

Department of Community Development Manager Donnie Mitchell said the grant is funded through HUD to the city and is administered by the  Department of Community Development for projects that benefit low to moderate income  persons.

Mitchell said all eligible projects must meet a HUD National Objective and meet priorities of the city of Mansfield's 5-year consolidated plan.

The HUD National Objective includes low and moderate income benefit and the elimination of slum and blight.

Mitchell said the second meeting will be held on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Mary McLeod Bethune Senior Center at 167 E. Second St. 

Mitchell said the application must be completed and stamped in the Community Development Office at 30 N. Diamond St.  by Friday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m.

For more information visit www.ci.mansfield.oh.us.